The Clemente Course in the Humanities provides a transformative educational experience for adults facing economic hardship and adverse circumstances. Our free college humanities courses empower students to further their education and careers, become effective advocates for themselves and their families, and engage actively in the cultural and civic lives of their communities.
The Clemente Course in the Humanities is founded on the conviction that studying the humanities enables individuals who face barriers to economic and social opportunities to develop critical, reflective and creative skills that empower them to improve their own lives and those of their families and communities.
Using the Socratic method, and drawing from primary sources, Clemente’s seasoned professors provide a rigorous education in literature, philosophy, history, art history, and critical thinking and writing. Students do not need to have a high school diploma or GED to be admitted to study. Rooted in our commitment to access, tuition is always free for Clemente courses and the costs of books, childcare, and transportation are also covered.
Courses are accredited by higher education institutions, including our longstanding partner Bard College. For many Clemente alumni, these college credits mark the first step toward receiving a college degree. For all students, whether they choose to pursue additional formal education or not, Clemente aims to increase civic literacy, participation, and advocacy.
Clemente has expanded substantially since its first courses more than twenty-five years ago, conceived by its visionary founder Earl Shorris. Clemente now encompasses dozens of courses around the country, has been honored with a National Humanities Medal, and received prestigious grants from the National Endowment of the Humanities and other leading bodies. CCH is an indispensable resource for Clemente courses nationwide, providing assistance with student recruitment, curriculum development, staff and faculty hiring, course accreditation, grant-writing, and faculty training and development.
Dr. Aaron Rosen, Executive Director
aaron@clementecourse.org
Dr. Marina van Zuylen, National Academic Director
Lela Hilton, Special Consultant to the National Academic Director
Vivé Griffith, Special Projects
vive@clementecourse.org
The national Clemente Course in the Humanities, Inc. (CCH) supports courses nationwide to accomplish the following objectives:
CCH maintains the quality and integrity of its program by ensuring that outstanding college teachers are hired as instructors, that students who are enrolled have the necessary core abilities and the motivation to succeed, and that local courses meet national standards with respect to curriculum and program delivery.
CCH helps increase social capital nationally and sustain Clemente Courses locally by fostering collaboration among courses and ensuring clear communication to the public about Course goals and outcomes.
CCH oversees research and evaluation gathered at local Course sites; ensures that Course outcomes are consistent with CCH’s overall goals and objectives; and promotes excellence in teaching, classroom management, and student support.
CCH raises funds to provide matching grants to existing and start-up courses, emergency funds for students, and other material support to courses at the local level.
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Executive Director